[IC][BBS] Comfortably Numb?

[robkelk]

I'm not sure Kazari could review the wireless signal alone.  The protocol is only half of the story -- it's probably using different spectrum and might need more sensitive hardware.  We'll throw her some of the software later, of course.  I'm sure Washuu-chan could figure it out in a few minutes, but let's not waste a scientist on an engineer's job.  Since we only have the one device, I think I'll go ahead and send it to Kestrel.  I just wish I could figure out a way to back up the data before I send, y'know?

I wouldn't suggest Kazari try going it alone, but I would appreciate it if she's in the team that works on the project.

As for the backup, at worst we can ask Kestrel to write something that sends the data through the laptop's screen and another machine's camera the way we send data down a fiber-optic cable. Sure, the data transfer rate will be slower than a dialup modem, but it's better than not backing up the data at all.

Only Akari speaks Japanese, which is kind of weird considering that they all spoke Japanese in the anime.

Don't put too much trust in any of the little details from the anime - any anime. For example, Mikoto tells me that Makoto doesn't sound like Mikoto's mother, despite in our world the two of them having the same voice actress.

That said, in the anime Alice sings in Esparanto.

If we end up coming to Halloween, I'll need to buy a van -- or rent one.  There are only seven of us now, but this apartment complex is awfully big... not sure how long it's going to stay empty.

I'm sure Lord Phantomhive will allow you to stretch your budget to buy a van, if you can show you'll be using it. And if the stereotype is correct, I can't see how anybody in LA can survive without a car of some sort.

That said, why not treat it as such? I can drive, if nothing else. And if Rob gets a vehicle with toilet facilities, then that will drastically cut down on stops - two a day for solid meals, and one for a midday snack. If we have three drivers on hand, then those are ideal driver change times. And I can take the graveyard shift with no issues. Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome can be a pain in the butt, but there are times when it's a godsend.

That's where it gets tricky - my license doesn't cover a vehicle with more than 11 people in it. (But if somebody was to fly down, maybe somebody who thinks studying is more fun than sightseeing and would prefer to stay in class for as long as possible *cough*Ami*cough*...)

So, what tourist traps you think you should hit up on the way down, Rob? Pretty sure that Chi-town and Gateway Arch in St. Louis is gonna be on that list. Dunno about Mt Rushmore - that would be a ways off the beaten path for you.

Let's see where Google Maps wants to route me. (goes and looks)

Huh. Yesterday it suggested Ottawa - Toronto - Lansing - Chicago - Memphis - Texarcana - Dallas - Austin - San Antonio. Today it's suggesting Ottawa - Syracuse - Buffalo - Cleveland - Columbus - Cincinnati - Louisville - Nashville - Memphis - Texarcana - Dallas - Austin - San Antonio. Either way, it's about 30 hours of driving if there's no traffic delays. (And I know the odds of there being no traffic delays in Toronto are lower than the odds of winning the lottery.)

We actually wouldn't go near St. Louis, either way.

(Austin, Memphis, and maybe Nashville - I foresee hearing a lot of country music of various flavours.)

Note: If you are going to Chicago, then it is of PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE that the girls watch The Blues Brothers and Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Without those, seeing Chicago just doesn't have the same impact. Also, a collection by the eponymous band would not be out of the question, either. They have a sound that is absolutely timeless.

Ruiko loves her music - maybe she's already got some Chicago on her smartphone. If not... well, I still have a dedicated MP3 player that can be loaded up for a road trip.